Lennox was originally picked up by a Belfast Cit Council dog warden on May 19, 2010. When officers called to the home of Barnes to check the dog licence, it was noted to be acting aggressively. As a result it was assumed the dog was a pit bull, a breed of dog which is banned in Northern Ireland. However the owners maintain he is an American Bull dog Labrador cross.

The dog remains in a secret hiding place, for fears he may be kidnapped and has been ordered to be put to death by lethal injection on October 14.